We are "in" 2 Kings now (in Bible Class- using Foundations 1 Preparation for Christ).
I found out I've been fooled. I always liked Gehazi, Elisha's servant. But I found out that he deceived me.
I liked him because I thought it was amazing that when Elisha asked the kind Shunammite woman what she would like she said, "nothing" (well actually she said she wanted to live with her own people, but she was already doing that, so essentially- nothing) Gehazi knew better.
Elisha wasn't taking that for an answer and asked Gehazi what he could get for her. Gehazi said, "Actually, she has no son, and her husband is old. " Long story short, she had a son the next year. Wow. Good job Gehazi. The man of God, Elisha, couldn't figure that out, but Gehazi did.
Ok. The deception. Fast forward to the time when God uses Elisha to heal the powerful Syrian commander of leprosy. The commander humbly returned to the presence of Elisha and asked what he could give him. Nothing. It was a free gift. "I won't take anything." And he didn't.
I'm still getting to the deception. Gehazi takes off after Naaman and tells him that Elisha wants a reward. A big one. Naaman gives it. Gehazi takes it. Then he secretly stashes in his house and when Elisha calls him on it, he lies. He was greedy, deceitful and unrepentant.
For that, he had to live with leprosy for the rest of his life.
God's work of healing, like Elisha's for Naaman, is FREE. The message for today is God's grace is a free gift. {REVELATION} I told my kids that I think this was THE most important lesson all year...the most important lesson of a lifetime.
Of course, wouldn't you know it. During our Bible class there was some name calling and one brother making fun of another. Ugh!! I ended up writing Matthew 12: 35-36 on our large white board and everyone had to sign that they read it.
Matthew 12: 35-36 (Jesus is speaking)
35 The good man brings out of his good treasure [what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. 36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
I have to trust that what we are learning in school at home will come to fruition.
Amen! We are saved by grace through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast.
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you when you said you "have to trust that what we are learning in school at home will come to fruition." That's my prayer as a homeschooling mommy, too. I've been homeschooling for five years now. I admire you for doing it for twelve!! I look forward to reading more about your homeschooling journey :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging comments Kathy. It's great to be on this journey with others in cyberspace!
DeleteGod is good...and so gracious. Thanks for sharing this with us today.
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting your blog today for the first time. Thank you for reminding us of this important lesson! Many blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteOn Saturday, I wrote a post called "Longing for Fruit" because I was in that place of just really needing to see fruit from this hard job of motherhood. :)
ReplyDeleteA great reminder here -- His grace is always free for us, for His Son paid the price!
Hi Jen, I learn so much by homeschooling. I hope my kids are too!
DeleteThis was a great lesson. Two ways. We do expect "men of God" -- and boys of God -- to behave better than they sometimes end up doing, and what disappointments we can suffer because of it! Hang in there. Homeschooling teaches effectively. Like for instance it teaches mommies. Perseverance. Been there, done that! God bless!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, I continually think I am learning more than my kids about lots of things!
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